How To Recover After a Breast Augmentation Surgery

For many women, the weeks or months leading up to breast augmentation surgery can be a very exciting time. Anticipating your improved look and imagining some of the new clothes you may wear are just some of the fun thoughts that may be going through your head before surgery. It is important to also think ahead to the postoperative period. Recovery from breast augmentation surgery is fairly routine for the most part, but must still be taken seriously in order to ensure positive results, comfort, and full healing.

Dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi and his expert team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery have performed numerous successful breast augmentation surgeries for Louisville, KY, women. They are committed to providing an exceptional level of care from your first appointment through recovery and beyond. During your initial one-on-one consultation in one of our comfortable treatment rooms, Dr. Mizuguchi will walk you through the process of breast augmentation, what to expect from the procedure, and what the recovery period will be like. He will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your needs, answer your questions, and recommend a course of action to help you achieve your goals. Once you have scheduled your surgery, it will be time to start thinking about and planning for your recovery after breast augmentation.

What can I expect following breast augmentation surgery?

After your breast augmentation procedure — which is performed under general anesthesia — you will be taken to a recovery room where you will gradually wake up. You will still be fairly groggy and weak, so it is imperative that you have a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

Depending on what techniques and additional procedures were performed during your breast augmentation, you may have drains, sutures, or dressings in place. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to change or care for these if needed. You will also likely be sent home in a medical-grade support bra that should be worn at all times for the first several weeks, or until your doctor releases you to wear other undergarments. The caring team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery will ensure that you are comfortable, educated, and prepared to go home following your surgery.

What is breast augmentation recovery like?

As with any surgery, the details of the recovery will vary from patient to patient depending on the procedure performed, the surgeon, and other variables. Generally, patients can expect some level of discomfort for the first several days or even weeks. This can be relieved by the use of pain medication prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter remedies. You will also be given antibiotics and, in some cases, additional medications such as anti-nausea medicine and healing supplements. It is important that you take all of the medications as instructed to ensure a quick, comfortable, and successful recovery.

Typically, patients return for their first post-operative appointment about one week after surgery. At this time, any sutures or drains will likely be removed. At the next appointment, which is usually about one month after the procedure, Dr. Mizuguchi will evaluate the patient’s progress, make further recommendations if needed, and answer any additional questions.

While you may begin to feel more like yourself after the first several weeks, it is crucial that you continue to follow postoperative instructions carefully, including avoiding lifting or excessive physical activity, to avoid any complications.

Can I lift anything after breast augmentation?

One of the more serious considerations for women planning to undergo breast augmentation is the restriction on heavy lifting that will follow. Patients should not lift any significant amount of weight, usually above 5 – 10 pounds, for a minimum of six weeks after breast augmentation. This is an especially important factor for women with young children or who have jobs that require heavy lifting. Most patients are able to get through this successfully with some planning and preparation to have help with any household chores that involve lifting.

When can I return to work after breast augmentation?

The majority of breast augmentation patients choose to take 1 – 2 weeks off of work following their procedure. Typically, women are able to return to their normal daily routines after about a week, excluding exercise or other strenuous physical activity. During your preoperative appointment, the Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery team will discuss and advise on a surgery timeline that best works for you.

How do I get started?

If you think breast augmentation may be right for you, the first step is to be evaluated by an experienced, knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Call our Louisville, KY, office to schedule your consultation with dual board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi today, and learn more about how breast augmentation can enhance your look, boost your confidence, and change your life.